Public land hunting questions

Welcome, What state you thinking?

Welcome MRed! What part of MS? First off, I can tell you leave the ATV behind, depending on which state you hunt. I believe most states do not allow any motor vehicles off established road making ATV's basicly useless. As far as camping or staying in a local motel, depends on what you've got for camping or how close a town is. Another thing you might want to think about doing this year is apply for a preference point in whatever state you plan on hunting in '08. I know for CO it won't cost any more than the application fee but you may have to pay for the price of a tag upfront but will be refunded after the draws are made. Might want to think about doing a combined elk/deer hunt being as you plan on going up anyways.

First Thank yall for the replies and Merry Christmas.

As far as what state, I'm still researching and deciding. I posted on here a while back and a few posters suggested Wyoming, Utah , North and or South Dakota and after looking I've kind of narrowed it down to the Dakota's but am still open to suggestions, will probably include CO as I've read about CO hunting since I was a little kid.

Oh I'm from Natchez MS born and raised a riverrat right on the banks of the Mississippi River.
I figured that about the ATV and have been planning on having to walk in and pack out as to the camping equipment right now I have none but will work on that during the year, you know we don't have to camp to hunt in Mississippi. I killed my last deer in Mississippi about 20 minutes from my Mother's house , man I was spoiled.

Thank yall again and keep the info coming I'm a sponge and if anyone has another recommendation for a state to look at I'm all ears.

Thank yall again


MississippiRed

Red, I hunt both in state and out of state (in state here in my home state of WA and out of state in ID). Almost all my hunting is done on public land although I occasionally hunt on private property when invited.

As for how I do it....A LOT OF HOMEWORK first. Because it's public land I try to stay away from the low lands and places where ATVs roam. In my experience, most folks stick to the low areas where it's easy walkin' or ridin' and leave high hard country alone. Although I run into other hunters at times, the pressure is a lot less the further away you get from the roads.
As for ATVs, I don't care for them. I know some folks here at MM use them and that is a personal choice. I personally think they are too noisy, tear up the land, and leave ugly scars that take forever to go away. They also take a large part of hunting away that I love....and that is to get out away from the noise and hussle and bussle and enjoy the quiet peacefulness of the great outdoors. Yes, I've packed animals out from some areas/distances where I WISHED I had a little "help" but I don't regret doin' it on foot one bit. This is a choice you'll have to make though. As was stated earlier, there are a lot of areas in a lot of states where they are not allowed anyway (Wildlife areas in WA do not allow motorized vehicles of any kind).

Also, as previously stated, start puttin' in for the draws in the states that you want to hunt. Pick the state and let us know where you would like to hunt. We have a pretty good group here with experience in most western states and I'm sure we can give you some pointers on which areas to put in for in the state(s) that you choose.

Good luck my friend, and keep the questions coming!

If'n you come to south dakota I can be of great help. pretty much all the land I hunt is public. Not to mention that most of our public land is off limits to 4 wheelers.some of the best deer are taken far from the road so be in shape for alot of walking.to pack out I suggest a wheeled cart or sled. this year for the first couple days the sled worked best.
If interested I can also give suggestions on units.if planning for 08 I suggest you buy a preferance point in 07.

I also noticed you did not specify whether it would be bow or rifle.if bow you do not need a preferance point.if rifle put in for a point.as far as where to stay. you can camp on most public land for free.or I have a camper you can rent for alot cheaper than a motel room. Let me know and I should be able to answer all your ?'s. who knows you might even get to make it a year early.

M..Red, I've been applying in North Dakota for a couple of years now but haven't drawn. ND only gives out 1% of their deer draw tags to Non-Residents. South Dakota might be a better plan.
muleystalker01, How does the preference point situation work for non-residents in South Dakota. Do we apply for a tag and if unsuccessful do we earn a pp? Can we just purchase a PP? How much does it cost? Thanks.

It sounds like Utah is a long shot but I'm willing to help here if you decide to try the beehive state.

if you are planning a hunt for lets say 3 years away you can get a preferance point each year until then. cost $5.00 for preferance point. or if you don't draw you get a point for that year. I know some guys that come out and rifle hunt every year. they seem to have no problem drawing.

on the other hand if you want to archery hunt you do not need preferance points. just apply the year you want to come out.there is an unlimited # of tags for archery.

northwestern part of the state is best for muleys.but some really big ones have been taken along the west side of the missourrri river. and alon the cheyenne river.

One other thing I forgot to mention before... if you stay in a motel make sure you make prior arrangements with a meat processer to handle the skinning and storing of the meat. Usually not a problem if you are camping as trees are abundant in most areas and the weather is cool enough if hunting with rifle. If archery, plan on bringing coolers up and have access to ice.

Hello there Red..

I think that since you're coming halfway across the country, you might be smarter to not camp and get a hotel, or bunk up with Muleystalker. I bet hunting with him would be a lot of fun. The west part of SD is fairly flat compared to most parts of mule deer country, and you could make us all proud by leaving your 4 wheeler at home. A good pair of binos would be much more useful.

I think it would be too big of a pain to haul all your camp gear, try and find a place to set-up, and worry about public- private land. It would be a lot easier to get a hotel or something of the sort, especially for the first time. I have been surprised at how generous these guys on here are . I think I will pose as a newbie and try to get into a good hunt. :)) Since these guys already know me, I'd have to go incognito. hehe.... :thumb

There's nothing like a remote camp in the badlands. :thumb

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Wayne, just gotta say those are some good looking pups you've got there!

That does look like a lot of fun. If you want to hunt Utah you can usually get a northern region tag over the counter. It is not the greastest, but it is easy to get. Statewide archery tags are the same.

Thank everyone that has replied, I appreciate the information.

As to the camp that picture is beautiful and those are some good looking dogs. That backwoods camp would be good except for one thing. I've never camped. Never had to living and hunting in Mississippi; I could leave my house and be on my stand within a hour and a half.

I'd probably stay in a hotel or rent Muleystalker's camper . I'm going to try and get a preference point this year and then apply next year. I'll keep Utah in mind also though as well as ( just dreaming ) putting in for a Kaibab tag , only because I've been reading about hunting the Kaibab since I was first starting to hunt so it's on my list of "must do's " before I leave this earthly plane. Just waying all my options right now.

Got a new rifle for Christmas so i can't wait to get out in the field and do some hunting.




MississippiRed
M.W.P.H.G.L.C

Start putting in for the Kaibab now and if you aren't picky you may be able to draw a 12A West early tag in 3-5 years, any of the other tags 12A late and the 12A East tags will take more. They applications come out at the end of May, and Arizona raised their prices for tags and lisences.